A fateful investment of growing cordyceps

Seizing opportunities and inheriting technology

A major turning point changed the course of Nguyen Thi Mai Phuong's life. In 2017, after surgery to remove precancerous cells, she was told she might not be able to have children. When she later discovered she was pregnant, she chose to keep the baby despite health risks. 

After childbirth, her weakened health prompted her to seek ways to recover, which led her to cordyceps, a gift from a friend that left a lasting impression on her. After a period of use, Ms. Phuong noticed significant health improvements, sparking her belief in cordyceps. Motivated to help others, she began to study its benefits for both personal and community well-being.

By 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic spread, Ms. Mai Phuong saw the importance of health-supporting products. With health and immunity becoming a priority for all, she felt driven by her passion and determination to venture into the unfamiliar field of cordyceps cultivation, investing in a modern, closed production process.

Her decision to invest in cordyceps surprised many, as she previously worked in banking before transitioning to the mining equipment industry. "I never imagined working in agriculture, let alone high-tech agriculture. To ensure success, I sought help from experts to establish a scientific cultivation process and invested in state-of-the-art production lines and equipment", she shared.

Raising product standards

To ensure quality and preserve the precious medicinal properties and shape of the product, Ms. Mai Phuong has invested in sublimation drying technology. To produce 1kg of dried cordyceps, approximately 10kg of fresh cordyceps is needed, and the drying process takes 24 hours at temperatures ranging from -50 to -70°C.

"To create quality cordyceps products like we have today, I have dedicated a lot of time and effort. Initially, when I did not have much knowledge, the products did not meet standards, and I had to discard entire batches. However, I did not give up and worked hard to learn more, improve, and luckily succeeded and gained recognition", Ms. Mai Phuong shared.

It is estimated that Ms. Mai Phuong invested around VND 3-4 billion in the production line and equipment for growing cordyceps. To date, many cordyceps products have met the criteria for being OCOP products of Quang Ninh province, with 4 products receiving a 4-star OCOP rating and 2 products receiving a 3-star OCOP rating.

Among these, several products have made a significant impact and earned the trust of consumers, such as dried cordyceps, cordyceps soaked in honey, cordyceps capsules, and cordyceps wine. These innovative products have gained popularity not only for their health benefits but also for their convenience and versatility in daily use. Dried cordyceps, for instance, is highly valued for its long shelf life and ease of use. It can be added when cooking soups, teas, or smoothies, providing a powerful health boost with minimal preparation.

With systematic, meticulous, and consistent investment, cordyceps products are highly rated for their high medicinal content and numerous health benefits. Over the years, Ms. Mai Phuong has been consistently recognized and rewarded by Uong Bi city and the New Rural Development Committee of Quang Ninh province for her achievements in producing OCOP products and has been honored as an exemplary farmer.

Cordyceps is an extraordinary medicinal herb with a rich composition of bioactive compounds that contribute to its numerous health benefits. Apart from the proteins, essential amino acids, fats, flavonoids, minerals, and vitamins it contains, one of the most remarkable components is cordycepin, a compound that has been widely studied for its therapeutic potential. This unique bioactive substance is credited with a range of medicinal properties, including its ability to enhance energy levels, reduce fatigue, and support mental clarity.

Beyond its immunity-boosting capabilities, cordyceps is highly regarded for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and slow the aging process. It plays a significant role in regulating glucose levels in the body, which can help prevent and manage diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. Moreover, cordyceps has been shown to improve blood lipid profiles, making it beneficial for cardiovascular health.